How to Get an Estate Tax Identification Number

What an Estate Tax ID Is and When You Need One

An Estate Tax Identification Number (also called an EIN for estates) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to an estate so it can file tax returns and open a bank account. You need one if the person who died left behind property, investments, or income that the estate must report to the IRS — even if the total value is small. The executor or administrator of the estate (the person handling the deceased's affairs) requests this number, not the heirs.

The IRS does not automatically send you one. You have to request it using Form SS-4, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you explore online, or up to four weeks if you mail the form. Most executors get the number within a few days of explore online.

Key Takeaways

You request an Estate Tax ID using IRS Form SS-4, either online through the IRS website, by phone, by fax, or by mail.
Online applications are processed when ready and give you the number the same day; mailed applications take two to four weeks.
You will need the deceased person's Social Security number, the date of death, and the estate's mailing address to complete the form.
Once you have the number, use it to open an estate bank account and file any required federal income tax returns on behalf of the estate.
If the estate has no income and no tax obligation, you may not need an EIN, but getting one costs nothing and avoids confusion later.

explore Online Through the IRS

The fastest way to get an Estate Tax ID is to explore online at irs.gov/ein. Click "explore for an EIN Online" and select "Other" as your entity type, then choose "Estate" from the dropdown menu. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and you will receive your number when ready upon submission.

Have these items ready before you start: the deceased person's full name and Social Security number, the date of death, your name and Social Security number (as the executor), the estate's mailing address, and a phone number where the IRS can reach you if needed. The online system will ask whether the estate has a business or is purely personal property — for most estates, you will answer "no" to business activity.

After you submit, write down the EIN and the confirmation number the system displays. You will not receive a paper confirmation in the mail, so take a screenshot or print the page. If you lose the number, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and provide your name, the deceased's name, and the date of death to retrieve it.

explore by Phone, Fax, or Mail

If you cannot explore online, you can request an Estate Tax ID by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4. To explore by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. your local time). Have the same information ready as you would for the online form. The IRS representative will assign your number over the phone and mail you a confirmation letter within two weeks.

To explore by fax, read Form SS-4 from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and fax it to the number listed on the form for your state. Processing takes about two weeks. To explore by mail, print and complete Form SS-4, then mail it to the IRS address shown on the form for your state. Mailed applications typically take three to four weeks to process.

Whichever method you choose, keep a copy of the completed form and any confirmation documents. You will need proof of the EIN when you open an estate bank account or file tax returns.

What Information You Must Provide on Form SS-4

Form SS-4 asks for basic facts about the estate and the person who died. The most important fields are the deceased's legal name (exactly as it appears on their death certificate), their Social Security number, and the date of death. You will also enter your own name and Social Security number as the executor, the estate's mailing address, and a contact phone number.

The form asks what type of entity this is — you will select "Estate" or "Decedent's Estate" depending on the form version. It also asks whether the estate has employees or will conduct a trade or business. For most personal estates, the answer is no. If the deceased owned a business that the estate will continue to operate, you will answer yes and describe the business briefly.

Do not overthink the form. The IRS is used to seeing incomplete or uncertain answers from first-time executors. If you are unsure about a field, leave it blank or write "unknown" — the IRS will not reject your process for minor gaps, and you can correct the information later if needed.

Opening a Bank Account With Your Estate Tax ID

Once you have the EIN, you can open a bank account in the estate's name. This account keeps the deceased's money separate from your personal finances and makes it easier to track what the estate owes and what it owns. Most banks will accept an EIN letter or a screenshot of your online confirmation as proof of the number.

Bring the EIN confirmation, your government-issued ID, and the death certificate to the bank. Some banks may also ask for a copy of the will or a court document naming you as executor, depending on the estate's size and the bank's policy. Ask the bank whether they need anything else before you go in.

Once the account is open, deposit any money the estate receives — life insurance payouts, bank account transfers, sale proceeds from property — into this account. Pay estate expenses and taxes from this account as well. Keep all deposit slips and statements for your records, as you will need them if the estate files a tax return.

When You Do Not Need an Estate Tax ID

Not every estate needs an EIN. If the deceased person left behind only a small amount of money or property that passes directly to heirs through joint ownership, a will, or a beneficiary designation, the estate may not owe federal income tax and may not need to file a return. In that case, you might not need an EIN.

However, getting an EIN costs nothing and takes 15 minutes online. Many executors request one anyway to avoid confusion later — if you discover the estate has income you did not expect, you will already have the number. If you are unsure whether the estate needs an EIN, contact a tax professional or call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and describe the estate's assets. They can tell you whether filing is required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is using the deceased person's Social Security number as the estate's tax ID. The estate is a separate entity for tax purposes, so it needs its own EIN — you request it using the deceased's information, but the EIN itself is new and unique to the estate. Do not confuse the two.

Another mistake is waiting too long to request the EIN. If the estate has income (such as interest on bank accounts or rental property), it may owe taxes for the year the person died. You need the EIN to file that return, so request it as soon as you know you are the executor. If you are unsure whether the estate has income, request the EIN anyway — it is free and you can decide later whether to file.

A third mistake is losing the EIN confirmation. Take a screenshot or print the page when ready after you receive the number online. If you explore by phone or mail, file the confirmation letter in a safe place with the will and other estate documents. You will need to reference this number many times over the months ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the deceased person's Social Security number instead of getting an EIN?

No. The estate is a separate legal entity and must have its own EIN for tax and banking purposes. You request the EIN using the deceased's information, but the number itself is new. Banks and the IRS will not accept a Social Security number in place of an EIN for estate accounts or tax returns.

How long does it take to get an Estate Tax ID?

Online applications are processed when ready and you receive the number the same day. Phone applications take about two weeks for a confirmation letter. Faxed applications take about two weeks. Mailed applications take three to four weeks. If you need the number urgently, explore online.

What if I already opened an estate bank account without an EIN?

Contact the bank and ask them to update the account with the EIN once you receive it. Most banks can link the EIN to an existing account without closing it. Bring your EIN confirmation and your ID to the bank and ask them to make the change.

Do I need an Estate Tax ID if the estate has no income?

You may not be required to file a tax return if the estate has no income, but getting an EIN is still a good idea. It costs nothing, takes 15 minutes online, and protects you if you discover income later. Many executors request one as a precaution.

What if I lose my EIN confirmation?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with the deceased's name, Social Security number, and date of death. They can look up the EIN and mail you a new confirmation letter. Keep the number written down in a safe place once you have it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.